LA Angels GM Perry Minasian recently shared the team’s approach to managing Mike Trout’s role moving forward. So, how will the crew balance Trout’s time between the outfield and the designated hitter spot? While Trout’s bat makes him a natural candidate to DH more often, Minasian emphasized that it isn’t likely to become a long-term solution, mainly because of Trout’s value as a defender and the potential downside of too much time as a DH.

Trout, one of the game’s premier outfielders, is known for his elite defense in center field, and Minasian made it clear that the Angels want to preserve that skill. As good as Mike Trout is at the plate, he’s also one of the best at tracking fly balls and covering ground in the outfield. the team doesn’t want to lose that aspect of his game. For the Angels, keeping Trout in the outfield as much as possible is still a priority. 

LA Angels plan for Mike Trout 

Perry Minasian revealed on a podcast with Foul Territory that The team will develop a plan moving forward to determine how often Mike Trout will serve as the DH versus playing in the outfield. “He’s an animal right, and he’ll do anything to be as good as he can,” Minasian said on the podcast. This marks a crucial decision for the crew that has seen its star center fielder battle injuries in recent seasons, reducing his time on the field and raising questions about how to best manage his workload going forward. However, there’s another thing to consider – the increased injury risk associated with being a full-time DH.  

A designated hitter’s role often involves more batting practice, which can lead to more injuries. Without the physical demands of playing defense, a DH may spend more time in the cage working on swings, So, while the DH role is certainly an option for Trout, especially on days when he needs a break from the outfield, it doesn’t appear that the Angels plan to use him there for long periods. Instead, they’ll likely continue to strike a balance, getting Trout the at-bats he needs without overloading him in the DH spot.  

The question of health for Trout

For a full season, Mike Trout has become one of the biggest uncertainties surrounding the Los Angeles Angels. The three-time AL MVP has not been his former self in recent years. The 11-time All-Star has battled a series of injuries that have limited his time on the field. Last season, Trout played just 29 games; when healthy though, he’s still one of the best players in the game. But the problem is, staying on the field has become rare for the 33-year-old.

Since 2015, the team has failed to post a winning record, and despite having one of the most talented players of all time, they’ve been unable to make any serious playoff runs. That inability to compete for championships may have played a role in Shohei Ohtani’s decision to leave the Angels for the Los Angeles Dodgers last winter. Mike Trout’s health becomes more of a concern with each passing season; while the DH role could help minimize the wear and tear on his body, it comes with its own risks.  

For the Angels, the stakes are incredibly high. Without a healthy and productive Trout, the team has little chance of competing in the AL West or making the postseason. Mike Trout’s health may be the defining factor in whether the Angels can turn their fortunes around, or whether they’ll once again find themselves in mediocrity. If they can’t keep him healthy, the team’s championship hopes, along with their broader future, will be in jeopardy.